Abstract P887: Lack of Racial, Ethnic, and Sex Disparities in Ischemic Stroke Care Metrics Within a Telestroke Network

Introduction: Little is known on the impact of telestroke in addressing disparities in acute ischemic stroke care. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of acute ischemic stroke patients evaluated over our 17-hospital telestroke network in Texas from 2015-2018. Patients were described as Non-Hispanic White (NHW) male or female, Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) male or female, or Hispanic (HIS) male or female. Single imputation using fully conditional specification was conducted to impute missing values in NIHSS (N=103). We compared frequency of tPA and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) utilization, door-to-consultation times, door-to-tPA times, and time-to-transfer for patients who went on to MT evaluation at the hub after having been screened for suspected large vessel occlusion at the spoke. Results: Among 3873 patients (including 1146 NHW male (30%) and 1134 NHW female (29%), 405 NHB male (10%) and 491 NHB female (13%), and 358 HIS male (9%) and 339 HIS female (9%) patients) (Table 1), we did not find any differences in door-to consultation time, door-to-tPA time, time-to-transfer, frequency of tPA administration or incidence of MT utilization (Table 1 & 2). Conclusion: There was a lack of racial, ethnic, and sex disparities in ischemic stroke care metrics within our telestroke network. In order to fully understand how telestroke alleviates disparities in stroke care beyond our single-network review, collaboration among networks is needed to formulate a multicenter telestroke database similar to the Get-With-The Guidelines.

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Abstract P488: The Impact of First Pass Effect on Acute Ischemic Stroke Clinical Outcomes: Why We Need to Continue to Improve Mechanical Thrombectomy?

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p488 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ameer E Hassan ◽

Mahmoud Dibas ◽

Amr Ehab El-Qushayri ◽

Sherief Ghozy ◽

Adam A Dmytriw ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

First Pass Effect ◽

Improved Outcomes ◽

First Pass ◽

The Impact

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has significantly improved outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). The first-pass effect (FPE), defined as achieving complete reperfusion (mTICI3/2c) with a single pass, was reported to be associated with higher functional independence rates following EVT and has been emphasized as an important procedural target. We compared MT outcomes in patients who achieved FPE to those who did not in a real world large database. Method: A retrospective analysis of LVO pts who underwent MT from a single center prospectively collected database. Patients were stratified into those who achieved FPE and non-FPE. The primary outcome (discharge and 90 day mRS 0-2) and safety (sICH, mortality and neuro-worsening) were compared between the two groups. Results: Of 580 pts, 261 (45%) achieved FPE and 319 (55%) were non-FPE. Mean age was (70 vs 71, p=0.051) and mean initial NIHSS (16 vs 17, p=0.23) and IV tPA rates (37% bs 36%, p=0.9) were similar between the two groups. Other baseline characteristics were similar. Non-FPE pts required more stenting (15% vs 25%, p=0.003), and angioplasty (19% vs 29%, p=0.01). The FPE group had significantly more instances of discharge (33% vs 17%, p<0.001), and 90-day mRS score 0-2 (29% vs 20%, p<0.001), respectively. Additionally, the FPE group had a significant lower mean discharge NIHSS score (12 vs 17, p<0.001). FPE group had better safety outcomes with lower mortality (14.2% vs 21.6%, p=0.03), sICH (5.7% vs 13.5, p=0.004), and neurological worsening (71.3% vs 78.4%, p=0.02), compared to the non-FPE group. Conclusion: Patients with first pass complete or near complete reperfusion with MT had higher functional independence rates, reduced mortality, symptomatic hemorrhage and neurological worsening. Improvement in MT devices and techniques is vital to increase first pass effect and improve clinical outcomes.

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Abstract WP25: The Impact of Body Mass Index on Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.wp25 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Stephanie Chen ◽

David McCarthy ◽

Vasu Saini ◽

Marie Brunet ◽

Eric Peterson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Body Mass ◽

Linear Correlation ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

The Impact

Background: Obesity is an established risk factor for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but its impact on clinical outcomes and mortality after AIS remains controversial. In this study, we evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke (LVOS). Methods: We reviewed our prospective MT database for LVOS between 2015 and 2018. BMI was analyzed as a continuous and categorical variable with underweight BMI <18.5, normal BMI 18.5-24.9, overweight BMI 25-29.9, and obese BMI>30. Multivariate analysis was used to determine predictors of outcome. Results: 335 patients underwent MT with 7 (2.1%) patients classified as underweight, 107 (31.9%) normal, 141 (42.1%) overweight, and 80 (23.9%) obese. Compared to normal weight (reference), obese patients had higher rates of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, while underweight patients had higher rates of previous stroke and presentation NIHSS. The time from symptom onset to puncture, procedural techniques, and reperfusion success (>TICI 2b) was not significantly different between BMI categories. There was a significant inverse linear correlation between BMI and symptomatic hemorrhagic. In patients with successful reperfusion (>TICI 2b), there was also a significant bell-shaped relationship between BMI and functional independence (mRS < 3) with both low and high BMIs associated with worse outcomes. In patients without post-procedural symptomatic hemorrhage, there was a significant linear correlation between BMI and inpatient mortality. Conclusion: In LVOS patients treated with MT, BMI is inversely related with post-procedural symptomatic hemorrhage. Yet in those whom reperfusion is achieved, both lower and higher than normal BMI were associated with worse functional outcomes. Thus, the obesity paradox does not appear to pertain to mechanical thrombectomy, although larger prospective studies are necessary.

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Abstract WMP90: Comparison of Acute Ischemic Stroke Care Between Comprehensive Stroke Centers and Primary Stroke Centers Participating in Get With the Guidelines-Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.49.suppl_1.wmp90 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 49 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Shumei Man ◽

Xin Zhao ◽

Ken Uchino ◽

Eric E Smith ◽

Deepak L Bhatt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Stroke Care ◽

Get With The Guidelines

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Management of acute ischemic stroke

BMJ ◽

10.1136/bmj.l6983 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. l6983 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Michael S Phipps ◽

Carolyn A Cronin

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Time Windows ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Stroke Care ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Future Research ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACT Stroke is the leading cause of long term disability in developed countries and one of the top causes of mortality worldwide. The past decade has seen substantial advances in the diagnostic and treatment options available to minimize the impact of acute ischemic stroke. The key first step in stroke care is early identification of patients with stroke and triage to centers capable of delivering the appropriate treatment, as fast as possible. Here, we review the data supporting pre-hospital and emergency stroke care, including use of emergency medical services protocols for identification of patients with stroke, intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke including updates to recommended patient eligibility criteria and treatment time windows, and advanced imaging techniques with automated interpretation to identify patients with large areas of brain at risk but without large completed infarcts who are likely to benefit from endovascular thrombectomy in extended time windows from symptom onset. We also review protocols for management of patient physiologic parameters to minimize infarct volumes and recent updates in secondary prevention recommendations including short term use of dual antiplatelet therapy to prevent recurrent stroke in the high risk period immediately after stroke. Finally, we discuss emerging therapies and questions for future research.

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Abstract 3029: Improved Clinical Outcomes in Medicare Beneficiaries with Acute Ischemic Stroke During Initial Implementation of the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) Program 2003-2008

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.43.suppl_1.a3029 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Song ◽

Gregg C Fonarow ◽

Wendy Pan ◽

DaiWai M Olson ◽

Adrian F Hernandez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Cardiovascular Event ◽

Early Period ◽

Stroke Care ◽

Medicare Beneficiaries ◽

Improvement Programs ◽

Time Periods ◽

Get With The Guidelines

Background: The first decade of the 21st century saw several changes in acute ischemic stroke care, including greater use of statins, tobacco cessation counseling, IV rt-PA, formally organized stroke centers, and national performance improvement programs. Changes in clinical outcomes from acute ischemic stroke during this period have not been fully delineated. Methods: We examined the national Medicare dataset to analyze clinical outcomes of ischemic stroke patients at hospitals joining Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) from April 1, 2003 to December 12, 2008. We designated three time periods of interest: 1) pre-period (6 months prior to GWTG-S participation, 2) early period (first 6 months of GWTG-Stroke participation), and 3) late period (6 to 18 months after GWTG-Stroke implementation). Clinical outcomes analyzed included discharge to home; inpatient, 30 day, and 1 year mortality; and 30 day and 1 year rehospitalization for stroke, cardiovascular event, and all cause. Results: 139,293 patients from 725 sites were included in the analysis. Mean age was 79.5 years, 41% male, 84% white. Patient demographics were similar across the three time periods, with minimal differences in comorbidities (e.g. diabetes, renal disease). Statistically significant changes between pre and late periods included: lower 30 day mortality (15.3% vs. 13.0%, p<.0001), lower 1 year mortality (28.0% vs 25.5%, p<.0001), lower stroke/TIA rehospitalization at 30 days (3.1% vs. 2.4%, p<.0001) and 1 year (9.2% vs. 8.7%, p<.002), lower rehospitalization for cardiovascular event at 30 days (2.9% vs. 2.3%, p<.0001) and 1 year (15.9% vs. 13.5%, p<.0001), and lower all cause rehospitalization at 30 days (17.4% vs. 15.1%, p<.0001) and 1 year (55.8% vs. 53.0%, p<.0001). Intermediate changes were seen during the early period. Rates of inpatient mortality and discharge to home did not change. Conclusions: During the first 2 years of participation, clinical outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with acute ischemic stroke among hospitals joining GWTG-Stroke improved substantially, with 15% lower 30 day mortality rates and 24% lower 30 day rehospitalization rates for stroke or TIA. Further study is planned to determine if similar improvements in outcomes occurred at non-participating hospitals during this time frame.

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Challenging the Ischemic Core Concept in Acute Ischemic Stroke Imaging

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.120.030620 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (10) ◽

pp. 3147-3155 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mayank Goyal ◽

Johanna M. Ospel ◽

Bijoy Menon ◽

Mohammed Almekhlafi ◽

Mahesh Jayaraman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Neuronal Loss ◽

Treatment Decision ◽

Stroke Care ◽

Core Concept ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Ischemic Core

Endovascular treatment is a highly effective therapy for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion and has recently revolutionized stroke care. Oftentimes, ischemic core extent on baseline imaging is used to determine endovascular treatment-eligibility. There are, however, 3 fundamental issues with the core concept: First, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which are mostly used in the acute stroke setting, are not able to precisely determine whether and to what extent brain tissue is infarcted (core) or still viable, due to variability in tissue vulnerability, the phenomenon of selective neuronal loss and lack of a reliable gold standard. Second, treatment decision-making in acute stroke is multifactorial, and as such, the relative importance of single variables, including imaging factors, is reduced. Third, there are often discrepancies between core volume and clinical outcome. This review will address the uncertainty in terminology and proposes a direction towards more clarity. This theoretical exercise needs empirical data that clarify the definitions further and prove its value.

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Teaching Impact on Telestroke Nurse Recognition of Large Vessel Occlusion Computerized Tomography Perfusion Patterns

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.119.028757 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (6) ◽

pp. 1879-1882

Author(s):

Laura Williams ◽

Maria Helms ◽

Emily K. Snider ◽

Brenda Chang ◽

Sam Singh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Computerized Tomography ◽

Good Accuracy ◽

Internal Carotid ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

The Impact

Background and Purpose— A distinguishing feature of our Stroke Network is telestroke nurses who remotely facilitate evaluations. To enable expeditious transfer of large vessel occlusion (LVO) acute ischemic stroke patients presenting to nonthrombectomy centers, the telestroke nurses must immediately identify color thresholded computerized tomography perfusion (CTP) patterns consistent with internal carotid artery (ICA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) segment 1(M1), and MCA segment 2 (M2) LVO acute ischemic stroke. Methods— We developed a 6-month series of tutorials and tests for 16 telestroke nurses, focusing on CTP pattern recognition consistent with ICA, M1, or M2 LVO acute ischemic stroke. We simultaneously conducted a prospective cohort study to evaluate the impact of this intervention. Results— Telestroke nurses demonstrated good accuracy in detecting ICA, M1, or M2 LVO during the first 3 months of teaching (83%–94% accurate). This significantly improved during the last 3 months (99%–100%), during which the likelihood of correctly identifying the presence of any one of these LVOs exceeded that of the first 3 months ( P <0.001). There was a higher probability of correctly identifying any CTP pattern as consistent with either an ICA, M1, or M2 occlusion versus other types of occlusions or nonocclusions (odds ratio, 5.22 [95% CI, 3.2–8.5]). Over time, confidence for recognizing CTP patterns consistent with an ICA, M1, or M2 LVO did not differ significantly. Conclusions— A series of tutorials and tests significantly increased the likelihood of telestroke nurses correctly identifying CTP patterns consistent with ICA, M1, or M2 LVOs, with the benefit of these tutorials and test reviews peaking and plateauing at 4 months.

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Emergency Medicine Pharmacist Impact on Door-to-Needle Time in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

The Neurohospitalist ◽

10.1177/1941874417729982 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 60-65 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Joshua S. Jacoby ◽

Heather M. Draper ◽

Lisa E. Dumkow ◽

Muhammad U. Farooq ◽

G. Robert DeYoung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Medicine ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Length Of Hospital Stay ◽

Stroke Care ◽

Neurological Status ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Discharge Disposition ◽

Scale Scores ◽

The Impact

Background and Purpose: Decreased door-to-needle (DTN) time with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute ischemic stroke is associated with improved patient outcomes. Emergency medicine pharmacists (EMPs) can expedite the administration of tPA by assessing patients for contraindications, preparing, and administering tPA. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of EMPs on DTN times and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke who receive tPA in the emergency department. Methods: A retrospective, single-center, cohort study of patients who received tPA between August 1, 2012, and August 30, 2014, was conducted to compare DTN times with or without EMP involvement in stroke care. Secondary outcomes included changes in neurological status as measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), length of hospital stay, discharge disposition, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and in-hospital all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 100 patients were included. The EMPs were involved in the care of 49 patients. The EMP involvement was associated with a significant improvement in DTN time (median 46 [interquartile range IQR: 34.5-67] vs 58 [IQR: 45-79] minutes; P = .019) and with receiving tPA within 45 minutes of arrival (49% vs 25%, odds ratio [OR]: 2.81 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-6.52]). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were significantly improved at 24 hours post-tPA in favor of the EMP group (median NIHSS 1 [IQR: 0-4] vs 2 [IQR: 1-9.25]; P = .047). Conclusions: The EMP involvement in initial stroke care was associated with a significant improvement in DTN time.

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Global Epidemiology of Stroke and Access to Acute Ischemic Stroke Interventions

Neurology ◽

10.1212/wnl.0000000000012781 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 97 (20 Supplement 2) ◽

pp. S6-S16

Author(s):

Vasu Saini ◽

Luis Guada ◽

Dileep R. Yavagal

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Time Window ◽

Systems Of Care ◽

Stroke Care ◽

Acute Stroke Care ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Global Epidemiology

Purpose of the ReviewTo provide an up-to-date review of the incidence of stroke and large vessel occlusion (LVO) around the globe, as well as the eligibility and access to IV thrombolysis (IVT) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) worldwide.Recent FindingsRandomized clinical trials have established MT with or without IVT as the usual care for patients with LVO stroke for up to 24 hours from symptom onset. Eligibility for IVT has extended beyond 4.5 hours based on permissible imaging criteria. With these advances in the last 5 years, there has been a notable increase in the population of patients eligible for acute stroke interventions. However, access to acute stroke care and utilization of MT or IVT is lagging in these patients.SummaryStroke is the second leading cause of both disability and death worldwide, with the highest burden of the disease shared by low- and middle-income countries. In 2016, there were 13.7 million new incident strokes globally; ≈87% of these were ischemic strokes and by conservative estimation about 10%–20% of these account for LVO. Fewer than 5% of patients with acute ischemic stroke received IVT globally in the eligible therapeutic time window and fewer than 100,000 MTs were performed worldwide in 2016. This highlights the large gap among eligible patients and the low utilization rates of these advances across the globe. Multiple global initiatives are underway to investigate interventions to improve systems of care and bridge this gap.

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